TECH
Vol.123
C.Y.
SNS Communication Changing Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Audio-based SNS?
Are you familiar with Clubhouse, which has been a hot topic lately? It has been featured across various media outlets, so you might have heard of it.
"Clubhouse" is an audio-based social service born in the United States that launched in March of last year. Although a Japanese version has not yet been released, it has been gradually gaining traction among IT trendsetters and is creating a buzz through media coverage. Why has it captured people's hearts to such an extent? The reason likely lies in the current "extraordinary circumstances" we are facing.
I Actually Tried Clubhouse!
First of all, what kind of tool is Clubhouse? Since there were so many voices on radio and TV programs asking, "What on earth is it?!", I decided to download it immediately!
First, let me briefly explain how to use it and give an overview. Clubhouse is often referred to as the "audio version of Twitter." It is an application where you can engage in real-time small talk with multiple people using voice instead of text or video. As for how it works, you can enjoy conversations within groups called "clubs," and since anyone can listen in on those conversations, it might be easiest to think of it as a form of "radio that anyone can broadcast."
I got a slightly "analog" impression from it—a place where you can find connections and information available nowhere else, such as dialogues between major figures who would never co-star in traditional media, or gatherings focused on specific interests.
I got the impression that there are many very small, community-based rooms. Inside the rooms, people who just happened to gather there were holding discussions in a warm, chat-like atmosphere.
Communication Lost to COVID-19
It has already been a year since meeting people face-to-face became difficult. As self-isolation periods and working from home have become the new normal, a survey conducted among men and women aged 20 to 69 nationwide revealed that the time spent on SNS has increased by 60% compared to the previous year.
Staying updated on the lives of friends and family via SNS has become commonplace. In a time when we cannot meet in person, the need has likely grown for platforms that offer an experience equivalent to actual face-to-face interaction, rather than just "receiving" posts as a way of connecting.
Other Notable Initiatives
COVID-19 Consultation Deskhttps://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000019.000038923.html
The National Federation of Psychotherapists, Japan's only industry organization for psychological counselors, reportedly joined the "COVID-19 Related SNS Mental Health Consultation" desk operated by the Center for Suicide Prevention Support on March 1, 2021. It is said that suicide rates among young people are rising due to the mental burden caused by anxiety and stress during the pandemic. Because it is via SNS rather than phone or email, the hurdle to "reach out for help" is lowered. Furthermore, the ability to converse without revealing one's identity at any time or day makes this an activity aimed at easing the mental strain on many people, including medical professionals and young people who are frequent SNS users.
Combating Depression via SNShttps://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP346J36P34UTIL021.html
It was announced that among people aged 18 to 64, those who frequently use LINE have better mental health—including higher levels of emotional satisfaction and happiness—compared to those who do not. Conversely, it was found that those who responded that they frequently use Twitter often feel "isolated" and show a stronger tendency toward depression.
It’s Not Just for Young People!https://markezine.jp/article/detail/34982
In recent years, smartphone usage among the elderly has been expanding, with plans like the "First-time Smartphone Plan." Consequently, the SNS utilization rate among the elderly is skyrocketing. Looking at SNS usage over the past year, a survey revealed that more than 60% (64.5%) of people in their 60s are using some form of SNS.
A friend of mine has also been enjoying communication with their grandparents via SNS. Because they couldn't easily go to visit, they decided to take the plunge and teach them how to use social media.
It is precisely because of these circumstances...
SNS is lowering the hurdles of communication in a very positive way.
I believe that from here on, SNS will evolve beyond just sending and receiving information; it will become a place for more ephemeral, "real-time communication."
There are undoubtedly hidden human needs within SNS.
It seems we won't be able to take our eyes off the social marketing market anytime soon.
Reference: Clubhouse
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